Organ Pipes National Park has
an interesting Pre and Post European History......

The Jackson's Creek Valley which runs through the park was
part of the lands occupied by the Woiworung tribe. The creek formed part
of the boundary between two clan estates, Marin-Bulluk and
Wurundjeri-Willam. Archaeological surveys undertaken in the park have
located Koori campsites and isolated artefacts. Such as the stone
artefacts pictured.

Activity: Research some of the plants that would
have been utilised by the Koori people. Identify how many you can find
when you visit the park.

The open grassy nature of the Keilor Plains made it
instantly suitable for grazing and allowed Europeans to quickly settle in
the area after their arrival in Victoria. Meaning that the Kooris were
quickly displaced. The initial land for the park was donated to the
Government. There are remnants of the Parks former life as a farm, but
unfortunately none of these are readily accessible to the public. The
remains of a stone house built in the 1850s (Pictured Left) can be seen
from the lower lookout tower below the visitors centre.

Activity: draw a picture of the house,
recreating how it might have looked in the 1850's. Write a story what your
life may have been like if you lived in that house.

Various families farmed the Organ Pipes area until it
became a national park in 1972. Farming practices have altered
substantially in the time the area has been settled but neighbouring
landholders still face problems with noxious weeds
and other 'modern' impacts such as Melbourne Airport, the 'Thunderdome',
suburban sprawl and roaming domestic animals. The photo shows some of the
mess left over from farming.

Activity: Explain how each of the problems
listed above may adversely affect the park.